past paper questions

• define the term "multi-core processor". [2 marks]


  answer:

  • more than one processing unit in a (single) processor which can independently
  • process instructions at the same time
• Describe how each of these can improves a processor's performance

  1. fast clock speed [2 marks]
  2. large cache memory [2 marks]


  answer:

  1. gives more cycles per second
  2. more instructions can be executed per second
  3. so the program takes less time to run
  5. more space for data/instructions in cache memory
  6. RAM need to be accessed less frequently
  7. assessing cache is quicker than accessing the RAM
• A processor uses the Von Neumann architecture.

  1. Describe what is meant by the term 'Von Neumann Architecture' [2 marks]
  2. Give one way that the Harvard architecture differs from the Von Neumann Architecture. [1 mark]

  Answer:

  1. consists of a single, shared memory for programs and data, a single bus for memory access, an arithmetic unit, and a program control unit
  3. separate memory for data and instructions
  4. different sets of buses (one for data, one for instructions)
• Give two features of a replacement processor that would increase the typical performance of the computer [2 marks]

  Answer:

  • higher/faster clock speed
  • more cores
  • more cache memory